The morning light filtered through the curtains, painting the room in soft hues of gold. Emma stirred awake, her head resting against Alexander’s chest. The rise and fall of his breathing soothed her, a brief respite from the chaos that had engulfed their lives.
For a fleeting moment, she let herself forget the world outside—a world that was unraveling their secrets and painting their love as a scandal. She traced small circles on his chest absentmindedly, her mind battling between worry and hope.
Alexander’s voice broke the silence, low and groggy. “You’re thinking too much again.”
Emma looked up at him, caught in the act. “I can’t help it. Everything is so messy.”
He smiled faintly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “Messy, yes. But worth it.”
Her lips twitched into a r
